Ukrainian author explains how Ukrainians are fighting for their land, history and culture

It has now been months since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the war has turned into one of attrition — as Russia hopes to break the Ukrainians over time. The results have been violent and chaotic.

More than 7,000 Ukrainian civilians have died, and likely more than 12 million Ukrainians have fled their homes. In the country, it is hard to sleep and difficult to know when the next bomb will drop as shelling continues.

“They are trying to destroy Ukrainian history. They are trying to destroy Ukrainian identity. More than five hundred schools are in ruins,” — Andrey Kurkov, Ukrainian author

Many scholars and onlookers have described Ukrainian patriotism inspirational and their resistance heroic.

Listen: How Ukrainians are emotionally, psychologically and culturally handling the Russian invasion.

Guest

Andrey Kurkov is a Russian-born, Ukrainian-raised writer, journalist and novelist who has penned more than 20 books. His most recent novel is “Grey Bees,” which follows the Russo-Ukrainian war, which started in 2014, through the eyes of a beekeeper.

Kurkov says dozens of museums in Ukraine have been destroyed because Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to destroy Ukraine’s culture.

“They are trying to destroy Ukrainian history,” says Kurkov. “They are trying to destroy Ukrainian identity. More than five hundred schools are in ruins.”

Andrey Kurkov is speaking tonight at the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church, located at 17150 Maumee Ave. The event starts at 7 p.m. and is sponsored by the Grosse Pointe Library, and is free to attend.